Walking Jessie #2

Single, brindle female seeks intact, medium-size male for brief encounter

by Marc Strange

Jessie's in heat again. In the world of neutered city pets she's something of an anomaly.

An unspayed female vexes many dog owners who would prefer not to deal with that aspect of canine life. Some of them are shocked and dismayed that their boy dogs are quite obviously aroused by Jessie's condition, notwithstanding their inability to do anything about it.

I'll admit that life might be simpler if Jessie were taken off the market but the truth is part of me would like her to have one litter before she retires.

Some years back when I had a breeding kennel, puppies were always around and shepherding them through the first few months of life was one of my great joys. Granted, these were purebred dogs with a waiting list of potential buyers. I'm not sure how many people would be lining up for one of Jessie's offspring, given her reputation as a willful, self-appointed park warden of obscure parentage.

Then there is the matter of finding her a suitable mate. There aren't many fully-functioning males around these parts. There's Cujo, a medium-size coyote-like critter who roams at will, sans leash or supervision. Jessie finds him very attractive, even when she's not actively seeking a boyfriend. There's an older Chihuahua who would need a step ladder to make the grade, and a big handsome guy named Cyrus who looks like a Rottie cross. Jessie swoons when he shows up, unfortunately he only shows up a few times a year. Slim pickings.

Jessie is three years old. This would be an ideal time to have a litter, if she were going to have one. In all probability it won't happen, and by this time next year I'll have taken that option off the table. It is most likely an unrealistic and impractical conceit on my part, fostered no doubt by fond memories of the puppies of yesteryear. Still, I can't help but speculate on what they might have looked like - bright eyes, expressive ears, mottled coats, tiny as a Chihuahua, or big as a mastiff. This time of year she's not all that picky, she just wants a man.

A cartoon drawing by Marc Strange

"Marc Strange is a Toronto writer and artist who usually
has dog biscuits in his pocket."


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